Sports
Belpre Could Be A Trap For The Tomcats
< < Back to belpre-could-be-trap-tomcatsThe Trimble Tomcats look to continue their TVC-Hocking dominance as they travel to Belpre on Friday. The Tomcats sit at a perfect 7-0, while the Golden Eagles come in having won two straight games.
The Golden Eagles’ offense has woken up in those two victories, averaging over 28 points per contest. On paper this looks to be a trap game, as undefeated Trimble who travels to the home of a streaky Belpre team. Trimble coach Phil Faires has preached to his team the importance of not overlooking, and is expecting more of the same dominance.
The Trimble defense has been incredible, giving up just 19 points all season and shutting out five teams. Faires still expects more from his defense.
"We have been bending but not breaking on defense all season,” Faires said. “We need to work on tackle-to-tackle defense."
Trimble's offense isn't too shabby either, scoring over 40 points in five of its seven victories. Leading the way is quarterback Konner Standley. In his senior season, Standley has accounted for over 20 touchdowns.
Faires said that the pass blocking has been fantastic this season and that it's the run blocking that draws his concern. In addition to the run blocking, he would like to start getting the ball to his tailbacks more, who have seen a drop in touches due to the dual threat abilities of Standley.
Despite Faires worries, Standley has to feel comfortable in the pocket knowing that a slew of veteran players surround him.
Belpre doesn't have that luxury.
The Golden Eagles are young at every position and have a serious lack of depth. Belpre has just three seniors on the team and gets most of their production from sophomores. Golden Eagles coach Greg Adams knows how tough Friday’s game will be.
"It's tough on our kids,” Adams said. “They have to go out there and guard kids that are two years older than them, and they are just physically more mature."
One thing that always helps out inexperience is a fired up home crowd – something the Golden Eagles can expect Friday night. Adams has been preaching the message of positivity to his team all week.
"It's very important to go out there and have a positive mindset,” Adams said. “Go out there not worrying about the age of the other kids and give it all you've got.”
Coach Adams should have no problem trying to motivate his team to play hard. Belpre is on a hot streak and welcomes in a legit state title contender.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Friday.